THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 95
Hackney Marshes, and the Channelsea also, farther north, meets the Lea at
Temple Mill Bridge.
Passing along by Old Ford under the Great Eastern Railway, on the right we
notice the Midland Goods Station, formerly the East London Waterworks
Reservoir ; then under the northern main drainage3 until we arrive at Old
Ford Lock, where we leave the old river which flows round to the eastward, and
passing through the lock we rise nine feet, and proceed up the Hackney Cut of
the Lee Navigation, where a considerable improvement in the condition of the
water is observable.
The Old Boating House at Lea Bridge, The "Jolly Anglers."
A little way beyond, on the western side, is the entrance to Sir George Buckett's
canal, which was made to connect the Lea with the canal system to Birmingham
and the northern canals, and is still largely used. Further along we pass under
Whitepost Bridge, and Wick Bridge, with Hackney Marshes on the eastern side,
and a view of Old Leyton, with the higher forest land of Essex. Almost
adjoining is the site of the compensation Reservoir which it is proposed shall be
acquired by the London County Council and converted into a People's Park ;
whilst on the western side lie Victoria Park, Hackney, and Homerton, and passing
under Marsh Gate Bridge, Brick Lock Bridge, Pond Lane Bridge, and Water-
3 The crossing of the sewer was selected and sanctioned by Parliament for the storm water
outlet of the main drainage, which was laid without due appreciation of the vastness of the
volume of sewage which flows along. In times of heavy rainfall serious overflow occurs, and
much fouling of the Bow river results. It is hoped, however, that the improved conditions now
in progress may lessen the evil.